At least three people were killed and several others, including a Maryland State Trooper, were shot Thursday at a factory in Western Maryland, the governor’s office and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies said the shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. at the Сolumbia Machine factory in Smithsburg, about 10 miles east of Hagerstown. According to the company’s website, it produces molds and other concrete production equipment.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said the trooper found the gunman nearby after the initial shooting and was shot in the shoulder. The trooper returned fire and killed him, Hogan said.
Deputies said that “the suspect is no longer a threat to the community.”
“This is a rapidly evolving incident and we will release information as we are able,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The Maryland State Highway Administration said Route 66 near the factory has been closed.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, said his office was closely monitoring the shooting in Smithsburg.
“My office has reached out to local officials to learn more and to offer our support,” Van Hollen said.
Meritus Medical Center, the closest hospital, is on lockdown due to a “community emergency.”
“That means no patients, visitors or staff may leave at this time, and we are only allowing patients experiencing a medical emergency,” the hospital said in a statement.
#Smithsburg
— Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) June 9, 2022
Eyewitness video of gun battle between suspect and law enforcement via FB
📷: Harleigh Rae https://t.co/GRAeBKjrer pic.twitter.com/VHx7eIFCpo
The story is that a Gunman, shot People. are you sure that the Gun did not shoot them? Take the Criminal out and you have the best Gun Control. Criminal Control is what is needed.
Its the ammo that kills. Control the ammo!